NRA Leader Speaks Out, Calls For Armed Security at Every School

by Ana Lastra

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre spoke out today, a week after the deadly shooting in Newtown, Conn. calling on Congress to put armed guards in every school.

"Before Congress reconvenes, before we engage in any lengthy debate over legislation, regulation or anything else, as soon as our kids return to school after the holiday break," LaPierre said, "...we need to have every single school in America immediately deploy a protection program proven to work --and by that I mean armed security."

LaPierre argued that another gun ban or law will do nothing when all the previous laws have failed.

"The only way to stop a monster from killing our kids is to be personally involved and invested in a plan of absolute protection," LaPierre said, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."

Yesterday, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb announced the formation of the Oklahoma Commission on School Security, which will work towards a safer school environment "for our most precious commodity."

The announcement follows the proposal put forth by Representative Mark McCullough on allowing certified teachers to carry concealed firearms on school campuses.

Bonnie Rogers with Jenks Public Schools stated that putting armed guards at schools would be good, however funding for schools is already difficult as it is.

Rogers also said that the deeper issue of mental health is what needs to be focused on rather than looking to increase guns.

LaPierre argues that "...with all the money in the federal budget, we can't afford to put a police officer in every school?"

Jenks schools have their own police officers that patrol the area and had increased police presence on all campuses following the shooting in Newtown.

Police Chief Gary Ruddick with Tulsa Public Schools stated earlier this week that schools will have a more visible police presence.

"The best investment for protecting children is personnel, more teachers who can develop better relationships with children and parents," Police Chief Gary Ruddick with TPS said.